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HaraKenkojuku Martial Arts & Wellness Center was founded by Shihan Herb Wiles over 30 years ago in St. Albans, NY.  Shihan Wiles is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Shotokan Karate and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  Shihan Wiles continues to compete nationally and has been an inspiration to thousands of students.

Shotokan (松濤館流, Shōtōkan-ryū?) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs. Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside dojos, who continued to teach 
karate after his death in 1957.

Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art because it is taught that way to beginners and coloured belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style which incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt katas. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but are less structured, with a focus instead on speed and efficiency.